From the iconic red wax to its wheat-forward mashbill, Maker’s Mark has always done things differently. The Wood Finishing Series FAE-02 is a masterclass in controlled experimentation, a 2021 limited release that pushes richness and depth through custom oak finishing staves. This isn’t your everyday wheated bourbon. It’s your bourbon, enhanced.

Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series FAE-02 (2021 Limited Release) 75cl
Brand: Maker’s Mark | Category: Kentucky Straight Bourbon (Limited Edition) | ABV: 54.5% | Origin: Loretto, Kentucky, USA | Vol: 750ml

Tasting Profile
Nose: Lush and inviting, maple syrup, warm fig, toasted oak, and rich caramel waft with dark fruit and spice.
Palate: Full-bodied and oily. Waves of toffee, roasted nuts, tobacco leaf, cinnamon, and dried fruit glide across a dense, chewy texture.
Finish: Long, warm, and boldly spiced, with lingering oak sweetness and a satisfying, dry grip.

Production Details
FAE-02 (Fatty Acid Esters Part 2) focuses on mouthfeel and depth. This edition used double-seared American oak staves to intensify richness, sweetness, and texture. Bottled at cask strength (54.5%), uncut and non-chill filtered, the boldest expression of Maker’s Mark yet.

Perfect For
Serious bourbon drinkers who crave cask strength intensity and wood-driven complexity. An ideal pour for fireside nights, special occasions, or curated tasting flights.

Expert Notes
FAE-02 was widely considered one of the best Wood Finishing releases to date, preferred by many over FAE-01 for its deeper flavor, heavier texture, and stunning balance between sweet and spice.

Customer Reviews
“Big, chewy, and unforgettable. Maker’s Mark like you’ve never tasted it before.”
“A perfect balance of sweetness and char. Honestly blew me away.”
“FAE-02 is a flex, bold, rich, and layered. I wish I bought two.”

Interesting Fact
The FAE-02’s profile was designed to emphasize “texture”, using seared American oak staves to enhance the naturally creamy, oily mouthfeel of Maker’s Mark’s wheated bourbon.

Serving Suggestions
Enjoy neat or with a few drops of water to expand the rich oak and fig notes. This dram doesn't need a mixer, it is the main event.

Distillery Background
Founded in 1953, Maker’s Mark remains one of the few heritage distilleries that still rotates barrels by hand and uses a sweet red winter wheat mashbill. The Wood Finishing Series reflects their balance of tradition and innovation, with FAE-02 standing as one of the finest results yet.